Crossword Genius

They haven't scratched from the race for novices (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

starters

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'for novices' is the definition.
(starter is a kind of novice)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for starters that I've seen before include "Prawn cocktail" , "Competitors entered for a race" , "officials at Aintree, say" , "Bruschetta or soup, perhaps" , "Banquet's beginning" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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